; nosce te ipsum

Gerard let out a light-hearted laugh, one so deeply infused with bliss, when Thais looked at the dainty ring on her finger. He draped one arm around her shoulders and pulled her close for a moment, pressing a light kiss to her temple. As the pair just held hands and she rested against him the airbender felt he was at the height of any form of joy he’d ever felt. This was it, this moment with her, this was the absolute highest. He could only imagine how he would feel when they actually got married. Right now he’d just gotten a ‘yes’ from her and his heart was nearly exploding.

The man smiled at her as Thais spoke, understaing very much what she meant. Wedded or not, he’d also been certain that she was going to be a part of his future just as she mentioned she thought he’d be in hers. However long a period of time it was, Gerard would be hers as long as she wanted him. For now they were officially engaged and in time they would be husband and wife. The mere notion as Thais said it out loud was enough to bring a new grin to his lips. Thais Linden. It really did have a nice ring to it. “I love the way it sounds” he agreed, stealing a quick kiss from her. His smile softened and his hand cupped her cheek with delicacy, his thumb brushing her skin with tenderness. “And you are mine” he replied, looking at his fiancée with such devotion and love. He couldn’t have said it any better. He was her home and she was his. Together they found where they belonged and that was with each other.

The airbender closed the distance between them slowly, meeting her lips with a gentle kiss. He loved this girl more than anything and it was conveyed in the way he kissed her as if she was something sacred. She was, she truly was. “I guess we’re going to have to start telling people we’re together” he mentioned as he pulled away just a bit, his nose brushing lightly against her own. Some people close to them already knew of their relationship, like their families and a few close friends. Finally, it would no longer be a secret.

It was comforting knowing that she could have “a future”, one she thought she wouldn’t have. Yet it still felt strange, because never in her wildest dreams did she ever thought of having her own happy ending. However, she didn’t want to get her hopes too high up—after all anything could happen. Though one thing is for certain, Gerard played a huge part in her happiness and peace with herself. She will always be grateful for the positive impact he has made in her life. Now that they were truly together, she knew that it could only go up from there. In the end, she knew that she had him and vice versa, that in itself was enough for her. 

Leaning into his touch, Thais maintained her smile as she stared lovingly into her fiance’s eyes. When they closed the distance between them, Thais returned the kiss, her lips lingering as she savoured the moment. Once they pulled apart, the she-wolf grinned and chuckled softly as soon as the airbender mentioned having to spread the good news. “I guess so.” she mused. Pausing, she hummed lowly as she pondered on the idea. “...Mhm...This should be fun...or errr...interesting?” Sitting up straight, she then had a look of determination as she placed a reassuring hand on his arm and gave it a gentle reassuring squeeze. “We’ve been through a hell of a lot of near death situations, I’m sure bearing news of our engagement to the clueless wouldn’t be that bad right? The secret’s finally out and we can breathe easy!” 

Now the only thing that they needed to work on was the whole save the date and wedding planning. “Soooo...How’s your wedding planning skills?” she joked with a light hearted laugh. They were far from traditional after all. “’Cause if we were to do a ceremony, the only thing I’ve thought of is having Lorenzia as our little flower pup...Though that could either be super cute or super disastrous, either way it’s a start.” To her it didn’t matter how they tied the knot, regardless, she was filled with so much emotions, all positive, to make this work. 

A joyous grin seemed to have found its permanent resting place on his lips. The airbender simply couldn’t help smiling and looking at his girlfriend -fiancée!- with absolute adoration. He plucked the ring from the small box and then held her hand in his as he slid the symbol of their engagement on her finger. It fit perfectly and it looked like it was always meant to end up there. Then he just held her hand tightly in his, still working to wrap his head around the fact that this had actually happened. He did ask her to marry him and Thais did say yes.

“I can’t believe this is happening either” the man admitted with a light chuckle “I wasn’t even sure I’d be brave enough to ask and I wasn’t sure what you would say”. He didn’t doubt her love for him, Gerard was fully aware of how much they meant to each other, but his uncertainty had been due to the fact that neither of them ever talked of marriage as something that was a ‘must do’ in their lives. His hands moved up to cup her face, his thumbs softly brushing away the tears that had welled up in her eyes. “I’m glad it happened. All of it. The good and the bad. It brought us here” the airbender spoke softly, appreciative of every single misfortune and bright moment along their path. They grew stronger because of all that, individually and as a couple, and every single of those moments paved the way that led them to this choice of union and love. “And I think the future has good things in store for us, Mrs. Linden” he stated with a smile. With Thais by his side, how could it not?

Once Gerard slipped the ring on her finger, Thais squealed with excitement as she admired it from afar by extending her arm out, before bring it back so she could see it up close. “It’s soooo beautiful!” she cooed. It was a perfect fit and she believed that it was a clear sign for this surprise engagement to happen in the first place. She leaned against Gerard as they held hands, a light blissful sigh escaping her lips while she listened to his response. They had similar mindsets, since she had thought about their future. However, she wasn’t one hundred percent certain with how he felt about it, especially when she was still a student. Furthermore, the she-wolf was known for going with the flow of things and in the end, regardless of where they ended up, she knew she loved him no matter what and was willing to stay with him till the very end. They were an unconventional couple after all, doing things outside the box and not following the norm. 

“Can’t lie, you def took the risk, but I commend your bravery.” she commented at first while meeting his gaze. “But I’ll be honest, I’ve thought about it, just wasn’t sure when would be the “right” time y’know?” Once she said right, she gestured some air quotation marks, before letting out a soft chuckle. “Like I’ve had moments where I thought about the future and I was certain that you’d be in it. We’ve been through the good, the bad, hell even the fucking ugly and I just wouldn’t have it any other way since it’s always been you.” Her smile widened as she nodded along to his words and as soon as she heard ‘Mrs. Linden’, Thais couldn’t help, but emit a warm laugh. “I couldn’t agree more! Ugh, Thais Linden!?!? It has such a nice ring to it. I’m your fiancé...Your soon to be wife...You’re going to be my husband!” Her gaze suddenly softened as a sudden realization came to mind. “—We’re a family now...You’re practically my home.” 

So there it was. He hadn’t straightforwardly popped the question to her, not yet anyway, but he made it pretty clear as he spoke that he wanted to marry her. The man was nervous but not in an anxious kind of way. Of course he wanted to get a positive response from her but even if Thais didn’t want to get married, the airbender was sure he’d be as happy as ever by just being with her.

Her expression as she saw the engagement ring embedded in that small box was a look he would never forget. It was surprise of the best possible kind and in that moment she became an embodiment of joy. She was absolutely radiant when she smiled like that and if it was even possible, he felt himself fall in love with her a little more. Seriously, how could he see her everyday and not end up wanting to become her husband? Gerard Linden was absolutely charmed by her, and even though that special bond between them didn’t begin upon their first meeting, once it began it never stopped. Each day was like a renewal of their vow: together. With her response Thais let him know she was also willing to take another kind of vows with him, the kind that involved putting that engagement ring on her finger.

“You- You do? Really?” the airbender grinned, still processing those last words. With his free hand he cupped her face and leaned closer to capture her lips with his own. A smile was speading on his lips as he kissed her, the immense joy he was feeling was so damn hard to contain so Gerard didn’t even try to, he just poured his heart in that kiss. As he pulled away his eyes met the she-wolf’s and he raised the little box before her. “I guess I should just ask then. So Thais Vivienne Alves, will you marry me?” he asked, emotion taking over his voice and his eyes, and every single part of him that was so filled with the love he felt for this young woman.

Nodding confidently, Thais’ smile widened while she clasped both her hands together and blinked back whatever tears that lingered in her eyes. Although she was still processing what just happened, she was genuinely happy for their new found milestone together. To think it would come down to this, the she-wolf really wouldn’t have it any other way. “Yes! One hundred percent!” she exclaimed as her facial features lit up. She then followed his lead by leaning in to kiss him back while a soft joyous laugh escaped her lips too. The decision to marry him felt right and in no way was she going to turn back now. They were going to be together till the very end and onwards for this kind of love and bond they share was unbreakable. 

Once they pulled away, Thais watched as Gerard raised the box up to her and proposed. To think she was over with the waterworks, tears of joy brimmed her eyes as she nodded once more. “Y-yes!...Yes Gerard, of course I will marry you!” Fidgeting in her spot out of excitement, she the slowly lifted her left hand for him to slip on the ring. “I can’t even explain how I feel right now! Let alone, I can’t believe this is even happening!” she commented while meeting his gaze. “It’s insane that after everything we’ve been through, we’re able to have a future together, just the two of us...I know I’ve said this countless times, but I’m truly grateful that you’ve stumbled into my life and not once did you ever fully given up on me.” Thais wore a gracious expression as she maintained her smile and despite being overwhelmed with emotion, she meant every word she said. 

“One hundred percent, yout totally did” he admitted, still laughing about it. It was some sort of unspoken rule between them, a constant in their dynamic when they were being a bit playful together. They often left the other speechless, outwitted one another with their comebacks or sometimes just resorted to kissing as means of rendering each other silent. The laughter was still dying down when she leaned against him and the man drapped an arm around her, slightly turning his face to her.

The last thing the airbender wanted was for her to worry about him, especially since he didn’t want this moment to feel tense in any way. Sure. this wasn’t a flashmob, write-it-in-the-clouds, serenade, big kind of moment but Gerard hoped it could go as smoothly as possible. He hoped that they could just calmly and honestly talk about it as they always did about every other thing. “Nah, it’s not serious. I mean, it is a serious topic, but not in a grave, negative way” the man spoke with a reassuring smile curving his lips, giving her hand a light squeeze.

It dawned on her before he could even explain further. He could tell by the look on her face that she suspected what was the small object inside his pocket. Frankly, he couldn’t tell if the look of shock she gave him was a negative reaction or just her response to being caught so off guard by it. He better just fully bring up the topic since Thais clearly suspected that was what he was going to say next. So the airbender took out of his pocket the little velvety box and held it in his hands, eyes locked on it. “Sorry, I uh- I didn’t mean to shock you like this with it” the man said in a lower tone, a light chuckle mixed with his words. It was a nervous chuckle, really. Gerard opened the box with care, revealing the engagement ring. It wasn’t one of those massive diamonds some women loved to flaunt on their fingers, instead he picked a dainty little thing that seemed more tasteful to him, a ring that just had ‘Thais’ written all over it.

“I didn’t really plan to get this ring, you know? I ended up getting it because of how I feel about you. I have to admit that I even surprised myself a little because for a really long time I was set on the idea that I would never get married. It never felt like something I wanted to do, or that I uh… that I would be good at, being someone’s husband” the man spoke, his last words sounding like it was such a weird concept, like it was still something he didn’t know if he could do right. “I love you, Thais. It’s ridiculous how much in love with you I am” he added with a grin, fully facing her and keeping his eyes set on her own. The airbender was never too good at putting his feelings into words because for a long time he didn’t face how he felt, he just ran from it. But not with Thais, with her he stayed in every possible way, he didn’t run anymore and instead faced everything with her by his side. “And I understand if this isn’t something you want to do, I really do. I don’t know, maybe you think it’s too fast for me to even be talking about this, or maybe it’s something that you don’t want to discuss at all. But I just- well, if there’s one thing I’m sure of is that I want to spend my life with you. I want to be with you for as long as you’ll let me. And I already talked a lot, maybe it’d be good if I shut up and finally let you say something” the airbender added with a sheepish smile, running a hand through his messy hair.

After hearing Gerard’s reassurance, Thais immediately sighed in relief as she composed herself. For a moment, she thought something was wrong, but to hear that it wasn’t anything of the sort made her regain her easy going demeanour. She believed him and although, she was still nervous about the direction their conversation was going in, she remained patient on the matter, allowing him all the time in the world to explain himself. She was well aware that Gerard was more of an ‘action speaks louder than words’ kind of guy and so, with a little smile of encouragement, Thais urged him to speak up about what’s on his mind. 

Brown hues fixated on the little velvety box that he pulled out. Mouth gaped open, Thais could feel her heart rate beat faster than ever and that this time she was at a loss for words. “—No! Don’t apologize!...” she managed to say as she kept her focus on the engagement ring he was presenting. It was beautiful, despite it being simple and dainty, furthermore it had her name written all over it. This was the one and she knew it would be a perfect fit once it’s slipped onto her finger.

Her gaze softened as she brought both her hands up to her mouth in shock. However, even though she was in that state, she heard every word that was being said and couldn’t help, but be completely overwhelmed with emotion. Huffing a breath, she managed to chuckle once he pointed out that he was rambling on. Tear began to well up in her eyes, but it was out of joy as she expressed a look of adoration. “Gerard...I...” The werewolf then licked her lips as she tried to come up with the right response. “No! You’re doing great! I know you’re not much of a talker when it comes to expressing and explaining yourself, but that was...Perfect.” Thais then finally took the opportunity to make eye contact with him as she nodded affirmatively, “I love you Gerard, more than anyone will ever know. And you’re not the only one who thinks that way, I too couldn’t even imagine being anyone’s wife! But I guess that’s a clear sign that we’re meant for each non?” Evidently enough, she was just messing around with him. “—But I too am sure that I want to spend my life with you.” she admitted with a bright smile. “There’s not a day that goes by where I think about our future and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I do want to spend my life with you for however long it takes. I love you so much and if you’re just gonna pop the question, then you already know that my answer is one hell of an I do.” 

A playful smile crossed his lips as she spoke, suspecting she wanted to go back to sleep. Even if the view was in fact incredible he didn’t fully believe her when she said it made up for everything. Almost everything, perhaps, but not the couple of hours of good sleep she could still get. “I don’t even know what to say to that” the airbender responded with a laugh because his girlfriend made so many valid points there, leaving him with nothing to counter it with. She looked amazing in his shirts, so he would never argue with that, and she also effectively complimented his style and his body.

As she spoke he let out a brief chuckle, knowing he was so busted. Thais knew him too damn well so of course she could see right through him, even if his little white lie was not delivered with any malice. He simply dodged the truth because he wasn’t sure how to bring it up. Hell, he was even starting to feel a bit nervous. It was unheard of but the peaceful-chill-hippie-man was nervous! It didn’t outwardly show but Gerard could feel his heart beating a little faster than usual. Was he seriously about to talk about marriage with Thais? It seemed like it, because the man didn’t want her to think he was lying to her. After his relapse at the beginning of last year and the way he hid it from her, the airbender vowed to never give her reasons again to doubt him.

His own eyes softened back after she looked at him that way. “Everything is ‘kay, I promise. Much better than just ‘kay” he reassured her before he made a brief pause, then he went ahead to admit “But there is something on my mind”. Now what? Gerard hadn’t plan this at all, but frankly a man like him would have no idea what the hell to do with a plan. “I uh- I got something for you” his tone lowered a bit and he smiled at her, slipping his hand into his pocket.

For the most part Thais was used to Gerard leaving her speechless. However, it was moments like this where she gets her fair chance at doing the same to him. With her free hand, she narrowed her eyes in a playful manner and jokingly gestured a finger gun at him before saying, “Aha! Gotcha there!...” Soon after she joined him on the laughter and leaned against him as she relaxed and admired the still scenery before them. 

The she-wolf waited patiently and listened carefully to Gerard’s reply. She may have also cheated a little by honing in on here were-senses and seeing if he was completely nervous. Surprisingly she was right, but it wasn’t anything too alarming. Maybe it was because she was calling him out that made him feel that way and so she awaited for the truth to unfold in hopes of understanding where he was coming from.

Raising a brow, she was confused at the complete reassurance. If everything was perfectly fine then why was he acting in such a weird way? However, as soon as he admitted that something was on his mind, Thais urged him to go on as she gestured a brief nod and listened attentively. “You got something for me?” she reiterated in disbelief. “I know you’re like the king of surprises and I love it Gerard, I do...But what’s the occasion? Especially since this ‘something’ seems serious...” Her voice trailed off as her eyes travelled to his pocket, “And it’s small too...What are you...?” To say she was confused is an understatement, but after a few seconds, it suddenly dawned on her. It had to be that and judging by the size of it, she could only assume that his nervousness was caused by how she’d react. Letting go of his hand, she fully turned her body, so that she was facing him completely with her full attention and sat there patiently in silence. She didn’t want to jump into any conclusions, but now she too was nervous as fuck as to what he wanted to tell her. 

Gerard closed the small box and quickly stuffed it inside the pocket of his sweater once he heard footsteps inside the cottage. Soon enough Thais walked out and the man couldn’t help but grin at the sight of the she-wolf freshly out of bed. He had never seen anyone look so beautiful. It was clearly too early for her to be awake so it surprised him she decided to crawl out of be to look for him. “Good point. But then again the sunrises here are pretty fantastic” he replied in his characteristic carefree tone, though being all too aware of the little box he hid from her. From where the cottage stood they didn’t have a clear view to the sun moving out from between the mountains, but it was remarkable how the sky began to acquire a light blue-orange tint with light filtering through the trees.

“My shirt looks better on you. Are you going to steal that one too?” he asked with a playful smirk, letting his fingers intertwine with hers as Thais took his hand. That wouldn’t be the first plaid -and surely not the last- that mysteriously disappeared from his closet only to end up as yet another item of clothing from her own. Frankly, he didn’t mind. The airbender loved to see her sporting one of his shirts. “Yeah, everything is ‘kay. You know me, I meditate” he replied, even if this was of the thinking sort of meditation and not the kind for which he was known at Clearbrook. He brought the hand he was holding close to his lips and kissed the back of her palm, hoping to reassure her that everything was okay.

Pursing her lips together, the werewolf paused and eventually agreed on his comment. “Fair enough, the view certainly makes up for everything.” Which was true seeing as the sun was rising and the way dawn presented itself was truly mesmerizing to watch, even when they weren’t able to observe the whole thing. It was a tranquil setting and it was one of the many reasons why she loved this place. Aside from the many memories they’ve made in this place, in the end of it all, they were able to be at peace with themselves. 

Glancing down at her attire, Thais playfully smirked, before expressing an innocent look. “Maybe, maybe not...” she teased. “I can’t help it y’know? For starters you have great taste and they’re also comfy! Plus you look better shirtless, so I ain’t complaining about that.” She then chuckled softly, before returning her upwards and making eye contact with him. Gerard’s response was so typical, that she had to prevent herself from rolling her eyes. She knew him better than that and as she watched his movements carefully, she could tell that he was trying to reassure her that everything was fine. However, her stubborn self knew better than that. 

“Yeah but if you were meditating, you wouldn’t choose these stairs out of all places to be in complete zen.” Using her other hand, she then pointed at him and wagged a finger as she continued to explain herself. “You were doing that whole brooding, overthinking, thingy you do when it’s something that’s been on your mind for quite a while.” She then dropped her hand, before softening her gaze and asking, “Last chance, is everything really okay? Or is there something on your mind that you want to let out? Cause if not, then let’s head back inside and sleep in...It’s a miracle I’m even awake at this time.” Despite her concerns, she still believed and trusted him if he were to say things were okay. They’ve been through many obstacles that many relationships faced, if he chose not to talk about it now, she knew that eventually he’ll be able to open up to her when he’s ready. 

As they pulled away the airbender reached out to cup her cheeks with both hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears gathered by the corner of her eyes. He was smiling softly, giving as her as much reassurance as possible. Of course the notion of becoming a father scared the shit out of him, even more because it wasn’t something that they planned to happen so soon. In spite of his dread and the nervousness forming a knot in his stomach, Gerard wanted to focus on the silver lining: they were in this together. Becoming parents might not happen for them now, it wasn’t definite since that pregnancy test could still reveal a negative result, but the professor was preparing himself for the new in case it was indeed a positive.

“Together” he said in earnest, reassuring her in that special way they did. One simple word that meant so much. A smile curved his lips, one that seemed hopeful. His hand brushed across her cheek to comb a lock of hair with his fingers and settling it behind her ear. Thais’ words only made his smile grow a little and leaned close to press his lips to hers for a moment. He pulled away slowly, keeping his eyes on hers. For a few seconds there was silence between them, there was too much going on in the way he looked at her, in the way he touched her. There were too many silent I love you’s in the airbender’s gestures. “As long as you’ll have me, I’m here” the man told her when he finally spoke. For her he’d finally stayed and, he would stay for as long as the she-wolf wanted him in her life.

He watched her get the test from her desk and gave his girlfriend a reassuring nod accompanied by a smile. “I’ll be here” he said to her, and Gerard didn’t just mean right now to wait for her to have the test done.

Gerard’s touch was definitely reassuring and all nerves and anxiety that ran through Thais’ veins were slowly dying down. She didn’t know how or why she out of all people ended up deserving someone like Gerard in her life, but nevertheless she was truly grateful. Years ago, this kind of love and support was something she couldn’t imagine of having, but with Gerard by her side through thick and thin, he definitely changed the game for her and she would do anything to hold onto to what they have. A smile crept onto her lips as soon as he leaned into kiss her. All the worries that she felt for the both of them disappeared from then on out. There was nothing more to say since the silence spoke for itself.. She knew he was there for her and that he wasn’t going anywhere, he loved her, he stayed for her and genuinely cared for her. All this she could feel within that moment and Thais didn’t have that fear anymore that she felt earlier. “Alright, here I go.” she declared before heading into the washroom. 

Minutes felt like hours, but Thais did what she had to do in order to determine the results on whether or not she’s pregnant. Waiting patiently as she could, she picked up the test after the six minute mark and went ahead to see her boyfriend. “Okay, so I followed the instructions...Waited...And it should be ready by now to give us the answer.” She pressed her lips into a thin line while making eye contact with Gerard and showing him the stick that may change their lives indefinitely. Holding her breath, the she-wolf then casted her gaze downwards to see the results and it showed a negative result. Exhaling loudly, Thais didn’t know how to feel at this point. She went through a whirl wind of emotions, only to find out that she was in the clear. “Mon Dieu.” she blurted out, as she stared wide eyed at the airbender. “I don’t know what to say or think or feel...I’m slightly relieved, but yeah...” Thais then expressed an apologetic look, with a hint of slight embarrassment as she rambled on with, “And I am so sorry for even freaking out! I didn’t mean to put you through that Gerard. Honestly, I just thought I was you know...pregnant, but it was probably just the stress and other internal factors that my body ended up this way.” 

Setting the pregnancy test on the desk, she ran a hand through her hair and remained silent while staring at Gerard. It wasn’t until she dropped her gaze that she immediately went in for a tight hug. It was what she needed right now more than ever. “Thank you for being here.” she whispered out as she buried her face into his chest for comfort.